he range-topping Subaru BRZ STI has been teased via pictures on the Japanese manufacturerís website. A higher performance variant of the rear-wheel drive BRZ coupe Ė which is twinned with the Toyota GT86 Ė has been rumoured for some time, thanks to the regular carís naturally aspirated engine, which differs from Subaruís typical turbocharging policy for its performance Impreza WRX.

Whether the STI features a turbo or a supercharger is currently unknown, but its 197bhp, 151lb ft 2-litre flat-four engine isnít likely to have much more performance in it without forced induction. 250bhp is a likely target for a BRZ STI, moving it much closer to Nissan 370Z and Porsche Cayman territory and helping it keep up with the turbocharged hot hatches which currently beat it on price.

While the standard BRZ hits a 140mph top speed and completes 0-60 in 7.5sec, a car with forced induction would easily top 150mph and hit the 60mph benchmark around a second quicker thanks to its extra torque. Acceleration and general mid-range performance should feel a big step on from the standard car, too. An STI is unlikely to get an automatic transmission, its only gearbox option set to be a six-speed manual.

Another big change likely for a BRZ STI is an improvement in tyres. The standard car wraps its 17in alloy wheels in eco-minded skinny Michelin Primacy Tyres, the STI is almost certain to upgrade to 18in rims with stickier, more performance-minded rubber. The Toyota GT86 TRD, despite boasting no more power than standard, uses Yokohama Advan Sport tyres.

Styling wise, expect the BRZ STI to resemble the identically named concept in the pictures above. It appeared in late 2011 sporting Subaruís famed World Rally Blue paint, a huge black spoiler, quad exhausts and big multispoke alloy wheels.

The BRZ STI looks set to appear later in 2013, perhaps at Novemberís Tokyo motor show to reflect Subaruís home market. Expect its price to start at around £30,000, up on the standard BRZ's £24,995 tag

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The ISF......The perfect car for an enthusiast. It can be driven to the track, run hard all day , and then transport me hundreds of miles to my home in luxury and comfort to pick up the wife for dinner and a movie....

If they developed the cars together why wouldnt Toyota jump on the performance band wagon ? Even if they only sell it in Japan and Europe they need to make this thing in FRS trim as well. Bring it to the states!

The ISF......The perfect car for an enthusiast. It can be driven to the track, run hard all day , and then transport me hundreds of miles to my home in luxury and comfort to pick up the wife for dinner and a movie....

At the bottom of that link, it says "UPDATE: Subaru has confirmed that the STi that was teased last night is just a tuned tS, not a full bore STi. Next time. Next time.". So, ya, too early of a celebration.

I think it would be a HUGE MISTAKE for Toyota and Subaru not to take full advantage of the hot sales and boost the power. Every single review of either car is stellar EXCEPT for the HP figures. Every review I have seen calls for more HP. Why not just drop a small turbo on it and add 50 hp, give the fans what they truly want, and sell sell sell. I think the existence of the TS Subaru concept means something is in the mail.

The ISF......The perfect car for an enthusiast. It can be driven to the track, run hard all day , and then transport me hundreds of miles to my home in luxury and comfort to pick up the wife for dinner and a movie....

I agree. I want to see another version w/ higher HP. My personal choice would be 300hp; Other may ask for 250hp or 400hp....; Well it hard to say and it depend on what the driver intend to do with the car. A lot of driver like it to use as DD at $25k base. If they plan to make 250hp++ package car which would cost at $35k + , they will sure have more sales. Anyway, this link below at least can tell different car owners like this current car for what it is.